Young Leaders return Petting Zoo to the fair

Jenna Richardson and Jody Williams were running the Saline County Young Leaders Free Petting Zoo at the Saline County Fair the evening of Tuesday, July 23.

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By Jon Sternberg, Contributing Writer

The Daily Register - Harrisburg, IL

By Jon Sternberg, Contributing Writer

Posted Jul. 26, 2013 at 4:50 PM

By Jon Sternberg, Contributing Writer

Posted Jul. 26, 2013 at 4:50 PM

SALINE COUNTY FAIR

Jenna Richardson and Jody Williams were running the Saline County Young Leaders Free Petting Zoo at the Saline County Fair the evening of Tuesday, July 23.

Jenna and Jody are members of the Farm Bureau Young Leaders program. The Young Leaders program had gone out of fashion in our area in the last 7 or 8 years but recently, because of economic conditions, it has garnered new interest in young people in the area.

This program is oriented to producing citizens who want to be a voice for the agricultural community at the local, state and federal level. A person does not have to be involved in the agricultural industry, just be interested in agriculture to join the program. The program, sponsored by the Farm Bureau, is grooming young people to be future leaders and spokespeople for the agriculture industry in the new century.

"I love it." Jenna Richardson said the afternoon of the 23rd as she helped at the Young Leaders Petting Zoo, "I really like getting involved with the community and meeting new people."

Tasha Williams and her children, Arianna Williams and David Mathis were enjoying the petting zoo Tuesday evening; Arianna took great delight in letting the animals eat out of her hand.

This program is oriented around people from 18 to 35 years of age, but is currently open to all ages in our area.

"Anyone old enough to understand what we are doing and active enough to participate is welcome." Jody Hughes said.

For more information about the Young Leaders program contact Jody Hughes at (618) 252-6992.